How to set timing 2.9l

[88 XLT Ranger]

My truck failed CA Smog

The inspection on pre smog test the timing is at 5 degrees BTDC they want factory spec at 10 degrees BTDC. The tech marked the pulley told me to set it there set the timing light at 10. I got an old Sunpro advanced timing analyzer. It has degrees advanced on back will this work just set it at 10? How do I do this right it cost $40 for pre smog test I lost $80 so far on the two smog places

 

[adsm08]

There is a plug on the passenger side of the engine, near the middle intake runner, that is just a small jumper, it needs to be removed. Then hook your timing light up, start the engine, and loosen the distributor hold down and turn the distributor until you get the mark they made to line up with the pointer at the crank pulley.

Then you tighten the hold down and put the jumper back in.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^^

Its called the SPOUT Connector, it needs to be unplugged to set base spark timing much like needing to unhooking the Vacuum advance on older distributor to set base timing, SPOUT is the electronic version of "vacuum advance"

Picture here, of SPOUT connector: http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk34/kc0rey/SPOUT.jpg

Just a grey or black plastic plug that needs to be pulled out, which disconnects the 2 SPOUT wires

 

[88 XLT Ranger]

Thank you both so much

What is the best way to loosen the distributor hold down? its back in a tight spot hard to get to. What size mm socket do I need

 

[adsm08]

The distributor hold down is 13mm. They make special sockets that are supposed to be for doing that, but I have always found a short wrench or a 1/4 on a long extension to be better than those tools on the 2.9.

 

[88 XLT Ranger]

Thank you

I got it loose with a short ratchet I got a question on timing? The smog place marked the TDC mark on the pulley in white. He told me to disconnect the spout connector set the timing light at 10 and move the dist bring the TDC mark down to the timing marker. This would be 10 degrees BTDC is this correct?

 

[RonD]

Timing light connects to battery and #1 spark plug wire, there is no "setting" on a timing light, it flashes a strobe light each time #1 gets a spark signal(not actually "each time", lol)

There is a pointer attached to the engines front cover with a line or mark on it, DO NOT use the "hole"(eyelet) thats for a Ford timing tool

The crankshaft pulley/balancer has a few lines on it, longest one should be TDC(top dead center) for #1 piston

Then to drivers side of that line(BTDC), are smaller lines every 2 degs, slightly longer lines at 4deg, 8deg, 12deg, 16deg, 20deg, ect

So the line that should be marked is between 8 and 12deg, which is 10deg BTDC, the line "he" marked

Picture here of the crank marks: http://www.fordrangerforum.com/2-9-liter-tech/81501-2-9l-timing-issue.html
post #9
You can see the 12deg line, 1|2, in that picture

 

[88 XLT Ranger]

Timing light connects to battery and #1 spark plug wire, there is no "setting" on a timing light, it flashes a strobe light each time #1 gets a spark signal(not actually "each time", lol)

There is a pointer attached to the engines front cover with a line or mark on it, DO NOT use the "hole"(eyelet) thats for a Ford timing tool

The crankshaft pulley/balancer has a few lines on it, longest one should be TDC(top dead center) for #1 piston

Then to drivers side of that line(BTDC), are smaller lines every 2 degs, slightly longer lines at 4deg, 8deg, 12deg, 16deg, 20deg, ect

So the line that should be marked is between 8 and 12deg, which is 10deg BTDC, the line "he" marked

Picture here of the crank marks: http://www.fordrangerforum.com/2-9-liter-tech/81501-2-9l-timing-issue.html
post #9
You can see the 12deg line, 1|2, in that picture

Thank You Ron

Your info got me on the track on timing I got the 10 degree mark right with the timing pointer. I have two timing lights both close. I will bring my timing light with me just in case. Its hard to see looking between the radiator hose and battery with the timing light